Rise In Diabetes Amongst Children

1,000 more children in England and Wales were diagnosed with diabetes last year.

The latest National Paediatric Diabetes Audit report published by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health reveals that there are a "worryingly high" number of young people aged 12 and over showing early signs of potentially serious complications.

27.5% of young people with type 1 diabetes have high blood pressure and over 7% have excess protein in their urine which indicates a high risk of future kidney disease

However, overall, the percentage of children and young people with excellent diabetes control has improved steadily over the last two years. In 2012/13, 15.8% had excellent control, which rises to 18.4% in 2013/14.

Dr Justin Warner, Clinical Lead for the NPDA, and member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said: "On the one hand the picture is positive; the quality of care for children and young people with diabetes is improving and we’re getting better at ensuring care processes are met. Yet the challenge we face is also growing, with more children being diagnosed with diabetes and some displaying early signs of potentially serious long term health problems. This is a lifelong condition where tight overall diabetes control is important to reduce the risk of complications later in life. This requires a close partnership between healthcare professionals delivering care and children and families with diabetes."

(CD/IT)